Public Will Get Chance To Comment On Tax Plan

NEW SMYRNA BEACH — The public will have an opportunity Sept. 3 and 16 to comment on the 1.92-mill levy being proposed by officials at Fish Memorial Hospital.

The levy would finance bond payments and indigent care for fiscal year 1985-86, which begins Oct. 1. This year's levy is 2.14-mills.

The $14.3 million budget includes a $5 room rate increase. Rates will be $170 for semiprivate rooms; $195 for private rooms; $150 for ward rooms; and $340 for the intensive care unit.

Hospital directors said hearings on the levy of $1.92 for each $1,000 in non-exempt property value will be at 5:15 p.m.

In other action Monday, the board agreed to seek permission from the Bert Fish Trust Foundation to change the name of the hospital to the Bert Fish Medical Center. Input from the hospital's medical staff will be sought before the request is made.

The change would distinguish the New Smyrna Beach hospital from a similarly named hospital in DeLand, officials said.

Hospital administrator William Schneider has suggested naming a soon-to-be constructed outpatient surgical center in honor of the late Blakeslee Barnes and his wife, Helen, who have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the center. Mrs. Barnes' permission will be sought, Schneider said.

The name change and dedication to the couple would enhance the hospital's image in the community and encourage philanthropic support, Schneider said.